VETO MESSAGE ON ESSB 6665

April 1, 2008

To the Honorable President and Members,
The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am returning, without my approval as to Section 4, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6665 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to the intensive case management and integrated response pilot programs."

This bill extends the life of two pilot programs authorized by the Legislature in 2005, the Intensive Case Management and the Integrated Crisis Response pilots. Section 4 provides the Department of Social and Health Services with the authority to expand the number of intensive crisis response pilots. Vetoing this section allows time for the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to adequately study the effectiveness of these programs prior to making a determination on whether to expand their availability.

For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 4 of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6665.

With the exception of Section 4, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6665 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,
Christine Gregoire
Governor